Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

 Although most well-known for its superb merlot from various sites in the Napa Valley, Duckhorn has done itself proud over the years with a succession of vineyard-designate cabernet sauvignons that are the equal of  the finest the Napa Valley has to offer. One of Duckhorn’s finest sites for cabernet is the Rector Creek Vineyard. This vintage from Rector Creek is a stunning wine, showing intense aromas of ripe cassis and blackberry, with a hint of wood spice and cedar in the background. The tannins, though firm, are beautifully integrated and the balance of the wine sublime. Excellent now, but even better in another decade or so.